Causal inference in medicine and public health almost always depends on untestable assumptions. Estimating valid causal effects thus often requires substantive knowledge about the study context that quantitative methods alone cannot provide. This paper introduces CACE-MM, a mixed methods framework that integrates qualitative approaches with complier average causal effect (CACE) estimation to strengthen causal decision-making and assess the plausibility of key underlying assumptions. CACE-MM is the first framework to systematically integrate qualitative inquiry with causal effect estimation in the presence of noncompliance. We present a proof-of-concept application of CACE-MM using data from The Youth Empowerment Study (YES), a randomized trial of a trauma-informed intervention for youth involved in the juvenile legal system (n = 630). Following CACE analyses using an instrumental variable approach (invoking the exclusion restriction) and principal score approach (invoking the assumption of principal ignorability), we conducted 10 semi-structured interviews with key informants. Qualitative data were analyzed using inductive open coding followed by deductive mapping to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). The study team assessed the plausibility of the key assumptions underlying each quantitative approach before and after the qualitative inquiry to generate integrated metainference about assumptions. Qualitative findings identified predictors of participation and outcomes that were not captured in baseline quantitative measures, raising concerns about the plausibility of principal ignorability. Interviews also clarified how meaningful exposure to intervention components was understood by implementers, informing the defensibility of participation thresholds used to invoke the exclusion restriction. More broadly, the findings demonstrate how qualitative inquiry can inform key analytic decisions that shape causal estimates, including how participation is defined, which covariates should be prioritized for measurement, and whether particular identification strategies are appropriate for specific outcomes. Building on these insights, we propose the full CACE-MM framework, incorporating both exploratory and explanatory phases, and outline decision points to guide application in applied health research. CACE-MM offers a rigorous and systematic approach for integrating qualitative evidence into causal analyses and ultimately strengthening the transparency and interpretability of the CACE in applied health research. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03242447.

This study examines the interrelationship between democratic governance, human security, and sustainable development in Nigeria within the context of the Fourth Republic from 1999 to 2025. Although Nigeria has sustained uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999, the country continues to experience widespread insecurity, institutional fragility, corruption, poverty, unemployment, and uneven development. The study argues that democratic consolidation cannot be measured solely through periodic elections and civilian transitions but through the effectiveness of institutions in guaranteeing security, accountability, social welfare, and inclusive development. Anchored on Social Contract Theory and Human Security Theory, the study adopts a qualitative research design based on documentary analysis of secondary data obtained from scholarly literature, policy reports, international development indicators, and government publications. The findings reveal that governance deficits, weak institutional capacity, corruption, youth unemployment, and socio-economic inequality have contributed significantly to the persistence of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, farmer–herder conflicts, and communal violence in Nigeria. In turn, insecurity undermines economic growth, discourages investment, disrupts education and healthcare delivery, and weakens citizens’ trust in democratic institutions. The study concludes that sustainable development in Nigeria depends on strengthening democratic governance, improving human security, enhancing institutional accountability, and implementing inclusive socio-economic policies. The study recommends comprehensive institutional reforms, security sector modernization, community-based security approaches, youth empowerment, and strengthened anti-corruption mechanisms as pathways toward democratic consolidation and sustainable development in Nigeria.

HighlightsWhat are the main findings?Adolescents in an international exchange student cohort prioritized mental health topics such as self-image, stress/anxiety, belonging, and harassment when co-creating intervention ideas. Many proposed solutions were low-threshold, social, and peer-focused, while some also incorporated movement- or sport-related elements.Projects that progressed further combined a clear solution concept with credible implementation detail, especially around staffing and funding.What are the implications of the main findings?Social hackathons may be useful not only as a research tool but also as a participatory format to generate locally grounded, youth-aligned prevention ideas.Future intervention development should preserve adolescent-generated solution logics while strengthening implementation planning and evaluation.Background/Objectives: Adolescent mental health problems emerge early, remain undertreated, and are shaped by diverse contextual stressors. In response to calls for more youth-centered prevention, school-based health promotion, and participatory intervention design, this study explored which mental health-related problems internationally mobile adolescents prioritize and which solution ideas they generate in a structured co-creation setting, including where movement- and sport-related elements are embedded. Methods: A qualitative, participatory study was conducted during a 24 h social hackathon embedded in the Youth Empowerment Seminar for exchange students. Hackathon materials from 43 projects were analyzed using content-structuring qualitative content analysis following Kuckartz. Results: Adolescents most frequently framed problems in terms of self-image, stress and anxiety, belonging, and harassment. Solutions clustered around low-threshold group formats, while implementation segments focused strongly on staffing, funding, barriers, and feasibility. Cross-domain analyses suggested recurring problem-solution matches, such as loneliness with hobby or interest groups. Conclusions: Social hackathons can surface adolescent-prioritized mental health concerns and translate them into context-sensitive prevention ideas. The findings mainly point to social and psychosocial solution pathways, while some proposals additionally positioned shared activity or movement contexts as potentially supportive for well-being. These results provide a starting point for subsequent school-based prototyping and feasibility work.

This study investigates how the Functional Accounting Education curriculum in Mumbai colleges empowers young people by improving their potential and preparedness for future career challenges. It uses a multidimensional view of empowerment, including knowledge, skills, attitudes, and decision-making abilities, and examines its connection with financial literacy, self-efficacy, and employability. A Quantitative-methods approach was adopted, combining survey data from commerce graduates and recruiters. Statistical methods, such as the Friedman and chi-square tests, were used to explore factors affecting job placement and the importance of spe- cific curriculum elements. The results show strong agreement between young peo- ple and recruiters on the importance of communication and problem-solving skills, while technical knowledge was rated as less important by graduates. The study also finds widespread consensus on curriculum reform priorities, including adding more case studies, reducing emphasis on theory-based exams, and selectively improving the curriculum. It provides practical recommendations for educational institutions to strengthen skill development, increase industry engagement, and continuously update curricula. These efforts can support the overall development and employability of commerce graduates in the changing fields of finance and accounting.

This research examined the relationship between barangay sports program involvement, community engagement, and youth social skills development in selected barangays of Pangantucan, Bukidnon, Philippines. Specifically, it aimed to determine whether participation in barangay sports programs and levels of community engagement significantly predict the development of youth social skills. A predictive-correlational research design was employed. Data were collected from youth participants using a structured survey questionnaire. Statistical analyses included weighted mean to describe the levels of the variables, Pearson product–moment correlation to determine relationships, and multiple regression analysis to identify predictors of social skills development. Results indicated that respondents demonstrated a high level of involvement in barangay sports programs, particularly in competitive and organizational/administrative involvement, while recreational involvement also remained high. Community engagement was rated very high, with emotional engagement obtaining the highest mean, followed by physical and cognitive engagement. Youth social skills development was likewise very high, particularly in conflict resolution, teamwork and collaboration, and communication skills. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between barangay sports program involvement and youth social skills development. Community engagement was also significantly related to social skills development. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis showed that competitive involvement and organizational/administrative involvement significantly predicted youth social skills development while recreational involvement demonstrated a weaker predictive influence. The findings suggest that barangay sports programs function as effective platforms for promoting youth social interaction, cooperation, leadership, and civic participation. Strengthening and diversifying sports programs at the barangay level may therefore enhance youth empowerment and community engagement.

Background Despite being officially recognized under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018, transgender youth in Pakistan still face stigma, social marginalization, and limitations imposed by their families. This discrepancy between lived reality and official recognition emphasizes how cis-heteropatriarchal standards continue to have an impact on day-to-day existence. Present study The experiences of trans youth in Bahawalpur and Lahore are examined in this study, with particular attention paid to symbolic inclusion, material exclusion, familial control, and resilience techniques used to deal with social marginalization. Methods A mixed-methods strategy was used. One hundred fifty trans youth 75 from Bahawalpur and 75 from Lahore completed standardized questionnaires measuring resilience, social inclusion, and familial control. Thirty semi-structured interviews were used to qualitatively examine coping mechanisms and personal narratives. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used in the statistical analysis to look at relationships between resilience patterns, exclusion, and family control. Conclusion Results show that while legal recognition offers symbolic affirmation, it does not remove social or familial limits. Transgender youth exhibit a variety of resilience techniques, such as adaptive coping strategies and community networking. In order to close the gap between legal inclusion and social acceptance and improve the wellness and empowerment of trans youth in Pakistan, the study emphasizes the necessity of focused interventions, policy implementation, and community support initiatives.

Abstract Nigeria’s youthful population continues to navigate complex social realities marked by unemployment, identity struggles, political exclusion, and shrinking civic spaces. Amid these challenges, music remains one of the most accessible cultural resources through which young people express aspirations, frustrations, resistance, and hope. Beyond entertainment, music functions as a lived social language that shapes values, builds community, and inspires action. Yet its role as a deliberate tool for youth empowerment and sustainable social change remains under-examined. This paper explores how music can be harnessed as an instrument for youth empowerment and sustainable social change in Nigeria. The study addresses the problem that, despite the centrality of music in youth culture, limited qualitative attention has been given to how young Nigerians themselves interpret music as a space for agency, identity formation, moral reflection, and social engagement. Four research questions guide the study, focusing on youth experiences of empowerment, identity formation, social awareness, and the sustainability of music-driven social action. Adopting a qualitative and interpretive approach, the study draws on reflective analysis, participant narratives, informal conversations, and contextual observation of youth engagement with music in social and cultural settings. Findings reveal that music serves as a platform for voice and visibility, enabling youths to articulate social concerns and negotiate identity. The study also finds that music fosters resilience, communal bonding, and critical social consciousness, particularly among marginalized youths. Furthermore, music emerges as a catalyst for awareness-raising and moral reflection, though its capacity for sustained social change depends on supportive structures such as education, mentorship, and community engagement. The study contributes to youth and cultural discourse by affirming music as a viable tool for empowerment and sustainable social transformation in Nigeria. Keywords: Music, Youth Empowerment, Social Change, Nigeria, Cultural Expression, Sustainability

Youth entrepreneurship has increasingly been recognised as a critical pathway for addressing unemployment, poverty, and economic marginalization in many developing countries, including Zambia. In support of decentralisation and inclusive local development, the Government of Zambia expanded the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to include empowerment grants and loans targeting vulnerable groups, particularly the youth. CDF allocations have increased substantially from K1.6 million per constituency (2021) to K25.7 million (2022), K28.3 million (2023), and K30.6 million (2024) financing initiatives such as the construction of health posts, classroom blocks, and water and sanitation infrastructure (e.g., boreholes and improved water reticulation). This study aims to assess the utilization of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for youth empowerment in Lusaka Central Constituency. The specific objectives of the study were to assess the utilization of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) on youth empowerment in Lusaka central constituency, to evaluate the effectiveness of CDF on youth empowerment in the Lusaka Central constituency, and to identify the challenges associated with access to CDF on youth empowerment in the Lusaka Central constituency. Stratified simple random sampling was used for the quantitative phase, and purposive sampling was used for the qualitative phase. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was utilized, integrating a structured youth survey with interviews of CDF administrators and pertinent stakeholders. The quantitative sample size was determined using the Yamane formula (95% confidence level; 5% margin of error), yielding a target of 398; 312 youth questionnaires were successfully completed (reported response rate: 90.7%), and 55 interviews were conducted using purposive selection of information-rich participants. Findings show that awareness, while generally high, remains uneven: 32.1% of youths reported being unaware of CDF opportunities, representing a significant missed empowerment opportunity. Although 67.9% affirmed that funds are available, only 38.5% reported having applied for a CDF loan, indicating a gap between perceived availability and actual uptake. This discrepancy points to a disconnect between perceived availability and actual uptake of the funds. It implies that while youths may believe that funds exist, many are unable or unwilling to translate this belief into concrete applications. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between youths’ challenges in accessing grants and loans and their perceptions of bureaucratic delays in fund disbursement. The Pearson correlation of -0.592 (p < 0.001) indicates a strong negative association, meaning that youths who face greater difficulties, such as limited technical skills, low literacy, and challenges in preparing bankable proposals, are more likely to view bureaucratic processes as a major obstacle to fund implementation. Furthermore, the descriptive statistics on how most youths perceive the allocation of CDF youth empowerment funds as lacking transparency. The clustering of responses around “disagrees” (as shown by the median and mode of 2) suggests that concerns about fairness, openness, and accountability are widespread among young people in the constituency. The high proportion of respondents who disagree that the process is transparent may reflect concerns about political influence, favouritism, inadequate communication of selection criteria, or lack of feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

Abstract Youth leadership has the power of turning innovative ideas into reality of life for the benefit of people, fueling idealism to change society, communities, schools, colleges, universities and organizations, applying skills development processes to solve problems, improving existing system, and ensuring progress in business, technology, and social justice. Youth leadership can shape the future activities for the development of the whole world by facing the local and global issues. Youth leadership has the capacity to face societal challenges driven by new energy, innovative ideas and diverse perspective. Application and implementation of innovative ideas in a very successful way are the process through which social, national and global development can be possible. The introduction and successful implementation of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 with the aim of turning India into a dynamic and energetic knowledge society and global knowledge power tower by improving school and higher education have given the Youth a chance to face the global issues by involving in sustainable practices, holistic thinking, humanitarian action, shaping community, and paying attention to global responsibilities. To empower youth leadership for the benefit of global progress, it is necessary to pay attention to the ideas of young people. Different types of skills like communication, confidence building, project management and critical thinking of young people must be developed. They must address local issues, advocate for well-being and rights, and solve social problem. For innovation and global responsibility, empowerment of youth leadership is very necessary on account of youth’s fresh energy, digital fluency, adaptable perspectives, providing sustainable development, driving economic growth, and solving complex challenges. Young people can enjoy the chance of training themselves to access courses from organizations, participate in SDG based local and global youth networks, improve innovative problem solutions for sustainable development, and champion the Goals by using digital platforms and their voice. The empowerment of youth plays a very significant part for the benefit of creativity and innovation. Young people empowered with quality education, entrepreneurial opportunities, and vocational training can enrich sustainability and economic growth by becoming active contributors to the economy for making a more progressive society. The need for youth empowerment lies in its capacity to develop self-assured, skillful, and self-dependent individuals who have the power of offering appropriate contribution to society.

Abstract This paper examines state-customary law relations with respect to rangeland administration among pastoralists and agro-pastoralists in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. It relies on socioeconomic data from four locations, using mixed methods to capture diverse perspectives. The findings indicate that customary-state relations have become complex due to land use change and state interventions. The strength and functioning of customary institutions vary across pastoral groups. While their role is declining over time, some still strongly influence rangeland administration. The factors that determine their influence include observance of indigenous norms, limited protection of pastoral systems that favour farming, resettlement of ethnic groups on territories claimed by others, certification of privately used lands, neglect of communal tenure, favouring women’s access to land, and promoting youth engagement in decision-making. The article stresses the importance of recognising customary authorities involved in the administration of rangeland resources, developing community bylaws, and empowering customary authorities to enable them to enforce communal land rights. It urges the adoption of mechanisms for state laws to accommodate customary laws, recognise youth empowerment, and promote women’s access to land and decision-making agency.

In Santa Barbara County, the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Program brought together several government and community‐based organizations, as well as a university‐based evaluation team, to provide pre‐adjudication diversion to youth ages 12 to 17. The primary goals of this program were to reduce the number of misdemeanor arrests and reoffending rates in the county's juvenile justice system, and to support the strengths and needs of youth in a trauma‐informed and culturally sensitive manner. This first‐person account article shares the experiences of a community‐university partnership with the implementation of this program. A history of collaboration, flexibility in the face of a global pandemic, and clinically useful evaluation tools supported the program during its initial external funding period and its continued success with a sustainable infrastructure and internal funding.

Abstract This study explores education’s role in civic life through the lens of political socialization among Cambodian youth, specifically focusing on the learning experience and community involvement as mediating factors. By moving beyond the instrumental views of education as contributing to the formation of human capital, the study views education as civic infrastructure that promotes political motivation, efficacy, and participation. Utilizing interdisciplinary scholarship in education, political science, and community psychology, the paper argues that active community-based learning experiences are more likely to produce civic learners than traditional learning methods. Additionally, the study argues that community support strengthens the civic purpose of education, despite structural inequities that persist in over-determining participation by gender, class, geography, and socio-economic factors. With the Cambodian example, the study illustrates the arguments in the context of larger debates within Southeast Asia and the Global South, thereby contributing to the theory and policy discourse on the intersections of inclusive education and youth empowerment, and the strengthening of democratic gaps. The study stresses the need to enhance the linkages between education and communities to cultivate inclusive and sustainable civic futures.

Social problems in North Morowali Regency have escalated through increasing deviant behaviors such as drug abuse, juvenile delinquency, domestic violence, and the weakening of community social values. These issues not only threaten social stability but also hinder regional development and community welfare. This Community Service Program aims to formulate and implement strategies to address social problems through educational and participatory approaches. The methods applied include socialization, training, assistance, and evaluation involving village officials, community leaders, youth representatives, the Women and Child Protection Office, and the Regional Development Planning Agency. The results indicate that community understanding of social problems improved significantly through awareness sessions and group discussions. The training activities strengthened skills related to social communication, family resilience, and youth empowerment. Meanwhile, the assistance phase enhanced community-based program implementation, and the evaluation revealed behavioral changes and increased community involvement in maintaining a healthy social environment. Thus, the strategies implemented successfully foster sustainable collaboration for the prevention of social problems in North Morowali Regency.

Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) positions adolescents as co-researchers to investigate and address social issues affecting their lives. While YPAR has gained global prominence, comparative research examining how it is conceptualized and practiced across regional contexts remains limited. This study analyzes the differences and commonalities in participatory research projects involving youth conducted in North America and Latin America, focusing on theory, methodology, youth participation roles, and socio-political contexts. We conducted a rapid review of 85 peer-reviewed and grey literature sources published between 2003 and 2023, utilizing the SPIDER framework. Sources were screened through a multi-step collaborative process and analyzed thematically across four domains: theoretical foundations, methodological design, domains of inquiry, and youth roles, assessed using Arnstein's Ladder of Citizen Participation. Studies in North America often emphasized individual youth empowerment and institutional reform, drawing on critical pedagogy and positive youth development frameworks within school and health settings. In contrast, Latin America studies prioritized collective action, sociopolitical transformation, and decolonial theory, frequently embedded in grassroots movements. Regarding participation, youth in North America often assumed protagonist roles within structured institutional boundaries, while Latin America projects engaged youth as co-creators of knowledge within broader community-driven struggles. This review highlights significant regional distinctions in how YPAR is theorized, practiced, and institutionalized. Findings suggest that hybrid approaches-integrating the institutional access common in North America with the grassroots, collective activism of Latin America-may enhance the transformative potential of YPAR. Future scholarship should explore context-sensitive frameworks that elevate youth leadership while respecting regional epistemologies and political realities.

Turkey’s (officially Türkiye) democratic journey from 2000 to 2025 has been marked by notable achievements, persistent challenges, and potential pathways for renewal. Over the past twenty-five years, Turkey implemented constitutional reforms, pursued European Union accession standards, promoted civil liberties, advanced gender equality, and strengthened minority rights. Economic growth and regional influence further reinforced democratic development. However, challenges such as judicial politicization, press restrictions, centralization of executive power, suppression of civil society, electoral integrity concerns, human rights violations, and societal polarization have constrained full democratic consolidation. Drawing on national and international scholarship, this paper examines Turkey’s democratic trajectory, highlighting both accomplishments and obstacles. The study emphasizes strategies for democratic renewal, including restoration of institutional independence, revitalization of civil society, political reconciliation, engagement with international partners, youth empowerment, and linking economic reforms to democratic stability. The findings suggest that, despite setbacks, Turkey possesses the capacity to develop a more inclusive, transparent, and resilient democratic system, offering hope for sustainable political progress.

This paper examines the intersection of conservation practice, community participation, and belonging through a case study of SABUKO (Society for Nature Conservation) in Georgia. Drawing on documentary analysis of multiple conservation initiatives, including grassland restoration in the Kakheti steppes, landscape connectivity planning, and youth empowerment initiatives, the study explores how environmental organizations can either reproduce or challenge existing power structures that determine who belongs in conservation spaces. The findings reveal recurring relationship between expert-driven and community-centered approaches, and highlight the importance of creating genuinely inclusive governance mechanisms. SABUKO's evolving practice, shifting from species-focused interventions to integrated landscape restoration with socio-economic dimensions, offers insights for conservation organizations seeking to balance ecological and social equity objectives.

Community-based sports initiatives have increasingly gained recognition as powerful instruments for fostering social inclusion and youth empowerment, particularly in contexts marked by socio-economic disparities, marginalization, and limited access to formal development opportunities. This research paper examines the multifaceted role of grassroots sports programs in promoting inclusive participation, enhancing psychosocial well-being, and cultivating leadership capacities among young people. By situating sport within a broader social development framework, the study highlights how structured and semi-structured community sports activities contribute to reducing social exclusion, strengthening interpersonal relationships, and encouraging active citizenship. The study adopts a qualitative and mixed-methods approach, drawing on case studies, program evaluations, and participant narratives from diverse community settings. It explores how community-based sports serve as accessible platforms that transcend barriers related to gender, ethnicity, disability, and economic status. Through inclusive program design and participatory engagement, such initiatives create safe and supportive environments where youth can interact, collaborate, and develop mutual respect. These interactions not only foster a sense of belonging but also challenge stereotypes and discriminatory attitudes, thereby promoting social cohesion. Furthermore, the research investigates the empowerment dimension of sports participation, emphasizing its impact on youth confidence, decision-making abilities, and leadership development. Engagement in team sports and organized physical activities enables young individuals to acquire essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, resilience, and conflict resolution. These competencies are critical for personal growth and are transferable to educational, professional, and civic domains. The study also highlights the role of coaches, mentors, and community leaders in facilitating positive youth development by acting as role models and providing guidance and support. A key focus of the paper is the intersection between sport and social inclusion policies. It critically examines how local and national frameworks integrate sports into youth development agendas and identifies gaps in implementation, particularly in resource-constrained environments. Challenges such as inadequate funding, limited infrastructure, cultural barriers, and gender inequalities are discussed as factors that may hinder the effectiveness and sustainability of community sports programs. Despite these challenges, evidence presented in the study demonstrates that even low-cost, community-driven initiatives can yield significant social benefits when they are inclusive, context-sensitive, and participatory in nature. The findings underscore the importance of adopting a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to sport-based interventions, where collaboration between educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, and policy-makers is essential. By aligning sports initiatives with broader development goals, including social justice, equality, and peacebuilding, community-based programs can serve as catalysts for long-term positive change. The study concludes that sport, when intentionally designed and inclusively implemented, is not merely a recreational activity but a transformative tool for empowering youth and fostering inclusive societies. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on Sport for Development by providing empirical and theoretical insights into how community-based sports can effectively address issues of exclusion and disempowerment among youth. It also offers practical recommendations for stakeholders aiming to design, implement, and evaluate impactful sports programs that promote equity, participation, and sustainable social development.

This paper examines how digital transformation, which includes AI, data analytics, and automation, can be used to promote sustainable economic growth and resolve youth unemployment in emerging markets. It aims to determine how innovation ecosystems and policies enable youth by equipping them with skills and creating employment. A mixed-method research design was used. The quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires among youth entrepreneurs and tech experts, whereas qualitative information was collected through key informant interviews with policymakers and managers of the innovation hubs. Statistical and thematic analysis of data was done. According to the findings, digital efforts have a significant positive effect on youth participation in economic activities, and especially on digital entrepreneurship. Nevertheless, the study notes that access and quality of digital infrastructure are the most defining factors towards realising sustainable economic outcomes. The study is confined to the emerging economies where the infrastructure disparities could be higher than in the developed areas. It means that digital innovation does not exist as a single solution, but rather as a three-part co-operation between the research, technology, and policy. Policymakers should focus on the development of infrastructure and research-based innovation hubs. Governments can provide economic sustainability and substantive youth empowerment in the long-term by matching new technologies with favourable ecosystems.

This study examines Tanzanian youth perceptions of personal initiatives and external interventions in football talent development, highlighting the interplay between motivation and structural support. Grounded in Social Cognitive Theory, it analyses how self-efficacy, environmental factors, and role models shape engagement in football for sustainable employment. Based on qualitative interviews with players, coaches, and stakeholders at Dar es Salaam academies, key themes include aspirations and career pathways, education and skill development, structural barriers and resource constraints, and gendered perceptions of role models. Results reveal strong youth ambitions and proactive efforts, yet impeded by poor infrastructure, financial hurdles, and cultural doubts – especially for females. Role models and initiatives such as school competitions and FIFA programs motivate participation. The study underscores tensions between aspirations and socio-economic realities, calling for inclusive, well-resourced, gender-sensitive systems. It advances youth empowerment through sport in the Global South, offering policy implications.

Qualitative research in management sciences has expanded significantly, yet methodological clarity remains underdeveloped - particularly in non-Western and emerging-economy contexts. This paper argues that Constructivist Grounded Theory (CGT), as systematised by Charmaz (2006), offers a rigorous and contextually responsive methodological framework for management research. Three research gaps motivate this paper: the absence of epistemological coherence in many qualitative management studies; the insufficient articulation of CGT’s specific contributions to management sciences; and the lack of methodological guidance for researchers studying social entrepreneurship and cooperative management in Global South contexts. This paper makes three original contributions. First, it positions CGT within the broader paradigm landscape through two comparative tables. Second, it identifies five specific contributions of CGT to management research. Third, it develops an original argument for CGT’s suitability to social entrepreneurship research in the Global South, with Morocco as an illustrative context. The paper includes a process figure, explicit limitations, managerial implications, and a seven-step operational guide. An ongoing study on youth empowerment in rural Morocco (El Bousserghini and Lebzar, under review) serves as an illustrative application.